And now calls are being made to repay John Alder and Liam Sweeney’s devotion to the Toon with a lasting memorial at St James’ Park.

The North East’s football community today remains united in grief for our two victims of the Ukrainian air atrocity.

Superfans John, 63, and 28-year-old Liam boarded the ill-fated jet as they made their away across the globe to support the Magpies on their pre-season tour in New Zealand.

But it was this unfaltering loyalty that ultimately cost them their lives when the Malaysian Airlines plane was seemingly shot down over a rebel-held area of the Ukraine.

Now fellow fans and politicians say they want Newcastle United to lead the way with tributes to the lads by investing in a permanent memorial at St James’ Park so the devoted supporters can have a presence at every match.

Suggestions have included erecting plaques, retiring John and Liam’s seats, or naming an entrance into the ground after them.

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Newcastle Central MP Chi Onwurah said: “These are fans who died as fans. They were on that plane because they were Newcastle United fans so I think it would be fitting if the club had some kind of memorial to them.

“I don’t know of that many Newcastle United fans that have died supporting the team, that should never have been the cause of their death.

“Maybe they could have a plaque, or a doorway could be named after them.

“They were travelling to the other side of the world for Newcastle United and I’m sure that resonates with many fans that would like to be able to do that.

“So I think it would be appropriate that there should be some lasting tribute to these guys that died as fans.”

He said: “A lot of supporters have lost their lives in recent times but there’s been nothing as tragic as this so I think it is only right that once the dust has settled we get the supporters groups, the families and the club sitting down together to see what the families would like to do.

“The circumstances that this has happened in has pulled everyone together, and under these extreme circumstances a memorial would be fitting.”

And Norman Watson, chair of the Newcastle United Supporters’ Trust added: “The club should be looking at what they can do.

“These lads were flying half way across the world to support their team which was incredible so they should do something.

“A plaque or something like that to commemorate their lives would be good.”

The calls come as both Newcastle and Sunderland fans put their traditional rivalries aside to raise thousands of pounds in memory of John, from Deckham, Gateshead, and Liam of Westerhope in Newcastle.

As news of our victims’ identities emerged St James’ Park became a focal point for the outpouring of grief as a sea of floral tributes, cards and black and white shirts grew around the statue of Sir Bobby Robson.

And the tragedy prompted an unprecedented union between Newcastle United and Sunderland fans.

Black Cats’ supporter Gary Ferguson, from South Shields, put traditional rivalries aside to set-up an online donation page to raise money for a bouquet, in the wake on the tragedy. But as the fund reached more than £18,000 the dad-of-three said money would also be donated to two charities close to Liam and John’s Hearts.

The 48-year-old sales manager said: “These were proper fans. They were going to New Zealand to support their team. That’s what really resonated with me and with everyone else.

“I’m a Sunderland season ticket holder and I never miss a home game, but these were real loyal supporters. People might be surprised with the rivalry, but I haven’t had any negative responses at all.”

Sunderland fan Gary Ferguson who set up an online fund to raise money for charities in memory of John Alder and Liam Sweeney

He added: “It does make you proud of football fans. I’m not just proud of the amount of money that’s been raised but by how many people have donated.

“The last two derby games have been ridiculous with bottles been thrown and horses being punched and it has shown fans in a really bad light, But this has shown that that is a minority.”

Gary will spend £200 on flowers, and the remainder of money raised will be split between the Marie Curie hospice in Newcastle where Liam’s terminally ill step-mum has been treated, and the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation, in John’s memory.

Meanwhile Newcastle United fans have also raised almost £5,000 with a separate fund set-up to help with John and Liam’s funeral costs and to buy a flag to take to all away games to celebrate their lives.

Chi Onwurah added: “When you see how much money the Sunderland fans have raised for the United fans you would hope the club would also do something.”

Sunderland fan Carl Lister said: “I think it would be nice to spend some money on a plaque that could be put up somewhere in St James’ Park with the lads names on in their memory.

“I think this would be nice for the families of these two unfortunate souls.”